ETF Market Insight
US Investors Funnel Massive Funds into European ETFs
Amidst the sluggish performance of the US stock market due to President Donald Trump's tariff policies, American investors are pouring substantial funds into European Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). In the first quarter alone, US investors allocated $10.6 billion to European ETFs, marking a seven-fold increase from the previous year and achieving the highest quarterly inflow to date. This trend is attributed to the uncertainty in the US market coupled with positive elements such as Germany's expansive fiscal policy, which have positively influenced the European market. Particularly notable is the surge in investments into European defense-related ETFs. European defense industry ETFs received $469 million, with Trump's nod to the potential withdrawal from NATO, underscoring the necessity for self-defense in Europe, serving as a catalyst. This infusion of funds is contributing to the robust performance of defense stocks in Europe.
Analysis of Domestic and International ETF Market Trends
In the first quarter of 2023, the domestic ETF market in South Korea gained attention due to the stellar performance of the defense theme. 'PLUS K-Defense' recorded an astonishing return of 64.73%, and the overall market size increased by more than 15 trillion won, approaching a total of 190 trillion won. This outcome reflects the sustained interest of investors in the defense sector. Among domestic investors, 'TIGER U.S. S&P500' was the most popular ETF, indicating the ongoing interest and trust of individual investors in large-cap U.S. equities. Additionally, there has been a growing popularity of parking-style ETFs among individual investors. This trend illustrates the investors' inclination to seek short-term stability amidst market volatility. As parking-style products attract more funds, more investors are choosing them in anticipation of stable returns. In the United States, due to the pressure on the stock market from President Trump's tariff policies, American investors have turned their attention to European ETFs. According to Reuters, U.S. investments in European ETFs stood at $10.6 billion in the first quarter, a seven-fold increase from the previous year. Notably, there is a strong influx of funds into European defense-related ETFs. This phenomenon appears to be a reaction to President Trump's suggestion of NATO withdrawal, highlighting the necessity for Europe to bolster its own defense capabilities.
S&P 500 Historical Weight ETF and Increasing Investment in Stock ETFs for Retirement Pensions
The launch of the S&P 500 Historical Weight ETF (DSPY) aims to mitigate excessive dependence on Big Tech companies. This ETF builds its portfolio by reflecting the average monthly proportions of the S&P 500 index since 1989, maintaining the weight of the top 10 stocks at 22%. This is significantly lower compared to the current 34% weight of the top 10 stocks in the S&P 500, signaling a shift toward diversification and portfolio stabilization. In the area of retirement pensions, there is notable growth in investments in stock ETFs. Historically, domestic retirement pensions have recorded low returns due to predominant investments in deposits and bonds. However, investing in stock ETFs promises potentially higher returns over the long term. The DC and IRP pension plans allow individuals to manage their funds directly, highlighting efficiency, and examples from the United States reveal a trend where higher stock ETF investment ratios correlate with enhanced returns, underscoring the importance of long-term investment.
Samsung Asset Management Launches Auto-Investment Event on FunETF
Samsung Asset Management is hosting an auto-investment event through its FunETF platform, targeting KODEX US S&P500 ETF and KODEX US NASDAQ100 ETF. This promotion, running until May 31, offers participants the opportunity to invest in highly trusted US large-cap and tech stocks long-term. Notably, the S&P500 and NASDAQ100 indices are leading representatives of large-cap and tech stocks in the US, earning global trust from investors. Participants in this auto-investment event can earn a coupon or one ETF share through their retirement savings accounts. By providing these benefits, Samsung Asset Management is encouraging clients to adopt a long-term investment strategy and expanding its user-friendly ETF auto investment services. Such efforts aim to simplify asset management for investors without involving complicated processes. The event's focus on retirement savings accounts also suggests an appeal to long-term investor demographics.
Ranking
Explorer
ETF LAB Inc. | CEO: Sejong Kim
7411, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 85 Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Cheongnyangni-dong)
For inquiries: servicedesk@k-etf.com
Business Registration Number: 196-81-03476
Customer Service: +82-2-6401-3421